The flooring of the moment at THR & Co., Carmen, Bar Isabel, Drake One Fifty, and La Cubana. After a few drinks, the frantic geometric patterns induce vertigo.

The aWOL hostess

Now that everyone makes reservations online, there’s no need for a hostess at the door with a reservation book. Instead, she wanders around Playa Cantina, THR & Co. and Yours Truly, iPad in hand, and always seems to go missing right when we arrive.

Overwrought tartare

Too many chefs feel compelled to invent a signature variation (Bero’s venison tartare with balsam fir gel and eucalyptus), when classic mince and a wedge of rye is what we really crave.

being Rushed through dinner

At Bar Isabel, THR & Co. and Hudson Kitchen, the waiter warns you that you only have the table for a limited window. Fine, we’re used to that. But they’ve barely set your cocktail down when they arrive with your appetizer. Pause for a sip of water and they snatch away your not-quite-done entrée.